King County Proclaims June Pride Month for the First Time

On Monday, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott introduced the first-ever King County Council proclamation declaring June Gay Pride Month in King County.

Joe McDermott wrote to supporters in an email, “Since the modern fight for LGBTQ equal rights began in June of 1969 with the Stonewall Riots in New York, we have seen significant progress. But our march towards full equality under the law continues. It is my hope that Gay Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate our successes and reflect on the work ahead of us.”

The following is the first ever King County Council proclamation declaring June Gay Pride Month in King County:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals have made meaningful contributions to work and life in King County; and

WHEREAS, the modern fight for LGBTQ equal rights began with the Stonewall Riots in New York in June of 1969; and

WHEREAS, Washington State added “sexual orientation” to the state’s anti-discrimination law in 2006, to ban discrimination in housing, employment, and insurance; and

WHEREAS, the King County Council unanimously adopted, and the voters approved, adding gender identity and expression to the anti-discrimination section of the King County Charter in 2008; and

WHEREAS, the fight for equality and dignity for all individuals under the law continues; and

WHEREAS, King County is the ninth largest destination in the nation for LGBTQ travel; and

WHEREAS, Seattle’s 37th annual Pride Parade is being held on Sunday, June 26;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim June 2011 as

GAY PRIDE MONTH

in King County and call on all county residents to celebrate the region’s diversity.

DATED this sixth day of June, 2011.

I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to King County Councilmember Joe McDemerott and the rest of the council for their leadership. This is an incredible step forward.